Kelly: “It’s Important We Get Back On Track.”

After the unbeaten league run came to an end last weekend against Bradford City, manager Darren Kelly wants his team to get back on track against managerless Peterborough United on Saturday.

Before last week’s 2-1 home defeat to the Bantams, Latics went throughout the month of August unbeaten in the league but the gaffer now wants to re-build the momentum from the early season.

He said: "It’s important we get back on track and the minimum we want on Saturday is three points, especially at home. We owe it to ourselves, the supporters and it is important we make this place a fortress on Saturday.

"It is important we focus on us and our strengths. I know Grant McCann as he’s a good friend of mine and he’s stepped in. He is a great guy and he will have his team drummed up to play on Saturday.

"The table is false at this time of the season because you still have top teams down the bottom. It is important on Saturday we go out and play the way we can and at 5pm on Saturday we want the three points.”

With Jonathan Forte ruled out of the next three games through suspension, that opens the door for somebody to take an opportunity.

“Forte is going to miss three games and he will be a big loss but we have players in there that are more than capable to step up to the plate,” commented Kelly.

“Whoever plays up front instead of Forte, it is an opportunity for them to express themselves and get some goals for the team.”

The manager has been given an injury boost this week with regards to some of his longer-term absentees.

He said: “Jake [Cassidy] is two weeks ahead of schedule and he is in good spirits. I’ve said it before but we have fantastic medical staff at this club.

“Liam Kelly’s operation was a success and he is back running and we hope Brian Wilson can return next week.

“Liam is a positive person and he knows his own body. There have been no effects in his running but it is important we get him back right rather than rushing him and him coming back not right.

“Ideally we want a fully fit squad like we did at the start of the season but it is important these lads come back 100% fit and fight for a place in the team.”

With attendances on the up, the manager paid tribute to their fantastic support and hopes they will make the difference on Saturday.

“I’ve said it on many occasions but I can’t speak highly enough of them,” he said. “The supporters are the football club and without them you are nothing.

“All that we ask is that supporters continue to get behind the team because it helps immensely and hopefully by 5pm we are all cheering."